Measuring Size and Scale: The Development and Validation of the Assessment of Size and Scale Cognition (ASSC)

Tyler Harper-Gampp; Cesar Delgado; Hyesun You; Matthew Peterson; Karen B. Chen

doi:10.1007/s11165-025-10274-w

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Measuring Size and Scale: The Development and Validation of the Assessment of Size and Scale Cognition (ASSC)

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Measuring Size and Scale: The Development and Validation of the Assessment of Size and Scale Cognition (ASSC)

Tyler Harper-Gampp, Cesar Delgado, Hyesun You, Matthew Peterson and Karen B. Chen

Research in science education (Australasian Science Education Research Association), Vol.56(2), pp.427-450

04/2026

DOI: 10.1007/s11165-025-10274-w

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Abstract

“Scale, proportion, and quantity” is a crosscutting concept (CCC) identified by the Next Generation Science Standards that underpins disciplinary core ideas across science disciplines. Size and scale cognition is a component of this CCC that research has demonstrated is difficult for students. However, instruments available to assess students’ size and scale cognition are time-intensive, limited in scope, or difficult to replicate. Overcoming these limitations would support the development of tailored instructional supports and facilitate the investigation of student conceptions. This paper describes the development and validation of a novel instrument, the Assessment of Size and Scale Cognition, a computer-based assessment. Task items were developed in alignment with the framework to characterize and scaffold size and scale cognition and guided by already existing instruments. Evidence of validity and reliability was obtained through an iterative process of review among content experts, experts in graphic design and human-computer interaction, and members of the target population. We conducted a pilot test with 518 first-year undergraduate students and used response data to assess psychometric properties. Results suggest this instrument is reliable and can be used to measure students’ size and scale cognition. The iterative refinement of the instrument and stakeholder contributions are discussed.

Scale cognition

Instrument

Validation

Size and scale

Details

Title: Subtitle: Measuring Size and Scale: The Development and Validation of the Assessment of Size and Scale Cognition (ASSC)
Creators: Tyler Harper-Gampp - North Carolina State University
Cesar Delgado - North Carolina State University
Hyesun You - University of Iowa
Matthew Peterson - North Carolina State University
Karen B. Chen - North Carolina State University
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Research in science education (Australasian Science Education Research Association), Vol.56(2), pp.427-450
DOI: 10.1007/s11165-025-10274-w
ISSN: 0157-244X
eISSN: 1573-1898
Publisher: Springer; DORDRECHT
Grant note: Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings
In addition to the authors, development was supported by Ruth Mathenge, Robert Kulasingam, Catherine Reckard, Khalid Alharbi, Linfeng Wu, and Brian Sekelsky.
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 06/26/2025
Date published: 04/2026
Academic Unit: Teaching and Learning
Record Identifier: 9984843240402771

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